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Top of the Vox
There are voices, and there are voices. Voices that find you at certain moments in your life when you need a little guidance or a sonic nudge in the right direction. They swoop in, fix your frequency and keep it moving. I have selected ten such voices from my life soundtrack, ten stars in the firmament of Black women who, musically, had a hand, and voice, in raising me. Muhammad Ali once said, about Larry Holmes, “Musically speaking, if he don't C sharp, he'll B flat.” These incredible vocalists have all helped me see sharper, and without their songs my life would definitely feel flat. Here they are, in chronological order.
By Desta Haile5 years ago in Beat
Black Women in Music Who Are Supa Dupa Fly
I don't believe it's possible for me to list all of the Black female artists that have inspired me and many others. However, there are a few standouts that have shaped my self-worthiness, my love and appreciation for Black womanhood, and also started me down the path of feminism. These women have played an integral role in my personal development, and continue their legacies each day in my playlist.
By Arcana Archives 5 years ago in Beat
The Magic Black Women Bring To Music
When you think of songs by Whitney Houston what comes to mind first? I will always love you? Greatest love of all? What if I told you that both of those songs actually weren’t written by her? Seems to be common knowledge these days but what about Hounddog by Elvis Presley? Did you know that it was originally written and performed by an artist named Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton? Believe it or not a song that influenced the entire genre of Rock & Roll was written by a black woman. Unfortunately a lot black artists don’t get the credit they deserve. In the past few years there has been a trend of giving people their flowers while they are here to smell them so without any further ado I’d like to start with Ms Anita Baker. My mom is a huge Anita Baker fan so much so that songs like “Same Ole Love”, “Angel'' and of course “Giving You The Best That I Got” seemed more like morning alarms than chart topping singles. I would see how just hearing the melody of her songs put my mom in a sense of tranquility. As a young kid I remember hearing these songs and thinking that when i’m old enough to love I want to make someone feel as if their problems are weightless and nothing is as bad as it seems. If it costs your peace of mind then it’s too expensive. I guess my mom and artists like Anita Baker are to blame for me having an old soul. 90s hip-hop is arguably the most influential decade in music history. With artists such as Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z and OutKast topping the charts it’s clear to see how they paved the way for today’s sound; however you’d be remiss not to mention the impact black women had during the 90s. Missy Elliott might be one of the most creative artists from the genre with her eye catching visuals and catchy lyrics. Writing and producing songs for other artists seems inevitable with Missy’s level of talent so to hear that she has written songs for people such as Aaliyah, Jazmine Sullivan Beyoncé and even Whitney Houston. Missy’s influence can be seen today in artists like Rico Nasty and Doja Cat. Quick question. What would the fugees be without Lauryn Hill? Not sure? Well luckily you’d never have to think about it because Lauryn Hill along with Pras and Wyclef Jean brought their own unique flavor to the already popular genre which is 90s hip-hop. With classic songs like “Ready Or Not” and “Killing Me Softly” it’s not hard to see why Lauryn Hill’s debut album went on to be an immense success. As of February 2021 Lauryn Hill has become the first female rapper to have a certified diamond album with “Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” officially selling over 10 million copies. Crazy, Sexy Cool isn’t just a catchy combination of words but the name of another diamond certified album by the all female group TLC comprised of T-boz, Chilli and the late Lisa”Lefteye Lopez. Together these three black women added an all new layer to an already emerging sound of black women in hip hop. Honestly how can you not dance just a little bit when ”No Scrubs” comes on.If you include other groups like SWV, Total, Xscape, En Vogue and Destiny’s Child it’s clear to see how dominant black women were in music during the 90s. I would like to think that the legacy that black women have cemented in music is certainly in good hands. The black women in music today have taken styles from those before,made it their own and are providing their audience with soon to be classics. Whether your flavor is more H.E.R or Jhene Aiko over Meg The Stallion black women can deliver whatever it is. To anyone who hasn’t experienced the magic that black women can bring to a song let me help you.
By Cleveland Clark5 years ago in Beat
Nicki Minaj and All Her Sons
Onika Tanya Maraj was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, on December 8, 1982. The rest is history. I'm drafting this post because it has become apparent, at least to me, that the more female rap continues to evolve, it's becoming less and less acceptable to spotlight Nicki Minaj. Lately, speaking on her music is often met with irritation, shade and attempts to downplay her various music industry accomplishments. Admittedly, I'm not a barb (fan name for Nicki's fans), but I am an avid music consumer who values talent, longevity and impact. At least 20% of my love for Nicki Minaj can also be attributed to the fact that she is Trinidadian, and as a fellow Trini, my heart swells with pride thinking about all that she has achieved. The genre of rap, scratch that, the music industry as a whole, has been transformed by her artistry, advocacy and pen game. She is the queen of rap. This statement may draw controversy, but, in my opinion, there are multiple queens of rap. A plethora of queendoms. Different hypothetical countries ruled over by mistresses of their own craft, experts in distinct styles of rap. This particular story is just focused on the generous queen, Nicki Minaj.
By Laquesha Bailey5 years ago in Beat
2000 - 2020: 7 epic female artists
These are the sounds of seven gifted black female artists that left a footprint in music. They have so many influential hits in a range of genres and are artists that have been in my favorites list on my Spotify account from the moment I have heard them.
By Anastasia S5 years ago in Beat
Dear Love, I Hate You
It’s only fitting that a holiday that’s supposed to be all about love occurs during the darkest, harshest, and most desolate season of the entire year. Winter means a lot of things to a lot of people, and so does love. When I think about love, I think about disappointment, self-loathing, betrayal, unrealistic expectations, advice from people who have zero idea what they’re talking about, among many other things. I will say that I was not considered a ladies’ man growing up, and while my luck with women has been marginally better since I’ve gotten to college, I am still here, counting the ways and examples that show me I am destined to die alone. As music has been a massive comfort to me over the years, I have become somewhat of a expert on songs suitable for when you’re in a corner hating yourself. There are many songs that deserve mention on a list like this (WAY too many to list, in fact), but I managed to create a list that I feel perfectly encapsulates what it means to hate love, and what it means to hate Valentine’s Day.
By Garry Miles5 years ago in Beat
Powerhouse Black Female Singers
Ok, so I didn’t grow up WITH THEM. But I grew up listening to them and I wanted to share my memories about them along with some quick research I did as well...because I realized I didn’t really know a ton about their personal lives. (Ok, some more than others depending on their age...like, I remember when Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon got married and I thought that was the most bizarre marriage, sorry Mariah, you’re a bombshell beauty with an enchanting voice that can attract all the children of Salem, you can do better. Side note: That was a Hocus Pocus reference in case you live in the dark ages)
By Vanessa R. Powell5 years ago in Beat
Romance is everywhere... and it's scary.
I have become a bit of what I call a cynical single- no not a person that is cynical about singles but a person that is cynical about everyone that isn't single. I’m perfectly fine being alone and plan to be for a while. Single and loving it baby! I’m pretty strong in my mindset, that is, until, I decide I want to watch a feel-good movie… Let me set the scene;
By Emma Gregory5 years ago in Beat
Cupid has no place here
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, I don’t know about you guys but I'm super relieved and am already dreading the next year, single or not. I spent my valentine’s channeling several different moods. First, I'm blasting my girl boss music on the highest volume, telling myself “you don’t need him sis”, and then in the next five minutes i’m in the parking lot of Walmart sobbing because I saw that same man with another girl 10 hours prior. Moral of the story, this Cupid holiday blows so i’ve come up with a list of “Hot Girl favorites” that picked me up off of the floor Valentine’s Day night.
By Krysten Coleman5 years ago in Beat
